Native flora and introduced plants of the ecologically important Pilliga Forests of Northwestern NSW

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Hymenochilus bicolor

The prominent black tip

Name change:Hymenochilus bicolor was previously known as Pterostylis bicolor.

Family:Orchidaceae

Common name: Black Tip Greenhood

Flowers: 3 to 15 small green flowers, each about 6mm long. The upper part of the flower forms a small blunt hood and the lower sepals are pouched. The small green lip has a prominent greenish-black rounded appendage. Flowering from Aug to Oct.

Leaves and stem: This greenhood orchid has a basal rosette of 5 to 12 crowded ovate leaves 2.5cm by 1.2cm, and a central stem to 35cm tall.

Habit and habitat:Hemenochilus bicolor is a terrestrial orchid occurring in scattered groups in grassland, grassy forest and woodland.

The Pilliga Forest is the largest remaining continuous remnant of semi-arid woodland in NSW, consisting of about 500,000 hectares of public bushland. The environment changes from cypress pine to ironbark to scribbly gum to box, and back again, interspersed with expansive heaths and a network of sandy creeks. The Pilliga is recognised as one of the most important areas for biodiversity in eastern Australia and is home to more than 350 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs. To many who travel through the area, the woodlands might look monotonous, but if you drive the back roads slowly or wander amongst the vegetation, you will discover that The Pilliga is full of life and richness and wonder. It is truly a special place, and of huge significance to the survival of countless native plants and animals.